Written Answers Nos. 52-66
52. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he plans to reform the organic farming scheme to remove preference for larger holdings above smaller farms. [38544/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Organic Farming Scheme was reopened earlier this year to encourage farmers to make the transition to organic farming. This is part of the commitment under the Programme for Government which is the highest level of ambition ever for the Irish organic sector.
Successful applications will be determined by a ranking and selection process. Marks are awarded for each sector with the aim of increasing the area under organic production, while prioritising areas deemed to be in deficit.
The Ranking and Selection is targeted at areas in deficit as outlined in the Strategy for the Development of the sector, which are dairy, tillage and horticulture. The process also gives priority to young farmers and larger holdings to encourage their participation in the scheme. These will help bring more scale to the sector.
However, there is no barrier to any sector or farm size applying and, indeed, I made it clear at the time of reopening that I encouraged applications from all interested farmers.
I am confident that the funding which has been provided for the organic sector is sufficient to allow farmers from both small and large holdings and indeed other farming enterprises to gain entry into the scheme.
53. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the packages that have been put in place to compensate landowners that had lands damaged or destroyed by the Shass mountain landslide, Drumkeeran, County Leitrim in June 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38325/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to this event in 2020, a Multi-Agency Group chaired by the Minister for Heritage, was established and it includes representatives of Leitrim County Council, Oireachtas, Farm Bodies, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Inland Fisheries, Department of Transport, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Universities.
On 24th May 2021, I clarified that force majeure would apply to farm payments in 2021 and that the Department would consider options for compensation of farmers affected by the landslide.
54. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the engagement with representatives of the fishing industry in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38493/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have had ongoing engagement with fishing industry representatives since I took office last year and have met them on a number of occasions both in advance of the conclusion of the EU/UK Trade and Co-operation Agreeement and subsequent to its adoption.
In the recent period, an Taoiseach and I met with industry represenatives on 21st June to discuss some of the current issues and challenges facing the sector. An Taoiseach and I both welcomed the positive engagement and open dialogue with industry and reassured industry representatives of this Government's commitment to pursuing every opportunity at EU level to increase the available quotas for our fishing fleet and address the inequitable burden sharing placed on Ireland in the quota transfers in the TCA.
I had a further meeting with the fisheries Producer Organisations and industry representatives on 23rd June.
I held five regional meetings beginning with the East Coast (Louth and Howth) on 6th May and travelling around the coast to the South East (Wicklow, Wexford and Waterford), South West (Cork and Kerry), West (Clare, Galway, Mayo and Sligo) and finishing in the North West (Donegal) on 14th May.
I found the meetings very valuable and productive and heard from individual fishers and processors, fisheries representative groups and public representatives including local Councillors, TDs and MEPs. I also heard from other members of coastal communities who are not directly involved in the seafood sector, whose businesses and communities are nonetheless related on the sector.
As easing of COVID-19 restrictions now allows for meeting groups of people, I am arranging visits to coastal communities in the coming period and look forward to being able to engage in person on the pierside. I visited Howth Fishery Harbour Centre and Greencastle last week and I will visit other communities around our coast in the coming weeks.
I will continue to work with industry and with our EU partners to identify opportunities for growth and build a sustainable future for the sector.
55. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if growers of ash forestry will be consulted the changes or amendments that are being introduced through the ash dieback scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38144/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the first finding of ash dieback disease in Ireland, the focus of the Department’s approach to the disease, and the support provided to ash plantation owners, has evolved as our understanding of the nature and scale of the disease has changed.
In March 2013, the Department introduced a Reconstitution Scheme (Chalara Ash Dieback) to restore plantations established under the afforestation scheme which had suffered from or which were associated with plants affected by the disease. Mandatory sanitation felling was a component of this approach in the Department’s attempt to eradicate the disease and support ash plantation owners.
A review of the national policy on ash dieback disease which involved stakeholder consultation was initiated in 2018 as it was increasingly evident from experience and the latest scientific advice that eradication of Ash Dieback Disease was no longer feasible. The focus of the review was on the policy approach and associated support schemes to evaluate the continued relevance of the national response, and to ensure that the forest owner is provided with a broader range of silvicultural and management options. Following the completion of the review, the Department introduced the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (RUS) in July 2020.
The scheme opened for applications in June 2020 and to date there have been over 330 applications with 83 approved to date, which demonstrates a healthy interest in the Scheme.
The Department will continue to keep ash dieback under close review but our focus is very much in implementataion of the current scheme and engaging with the applicants to that scheme.
56. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 58 of 20 May 2021, the status of the review of the potential demand in international markets for wool-based products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38146/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the Programme for Government contained a commitment to undertake a review of the potential demand in domestic and international markets for wool based products such as insulation and fertilisers. Following the allocation of €100,000 in Budget 2021 for this review, I initiated a public consultation process in early March 2021 to determine the terms of reference for such a review and to provide opportunity for submissions and comments from interested parties on the potential market opportunities for wool products on the domestic and international markets. Over 40 submissions were received on the potential market opportunities for wool products on the domestic and international markets.
The terms of reference for the review are as follows:
- the identification of market opportunities domestically and internationally for wool based products;
- carrying out economic feasibility and cost benefit analysis on proposed market opportunities;
- determining mechanisms that could be used to support industry initiatives; and
- identification of potential research projects applicable to supporting the identified market opportunities.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that through the competitive public procurement procedure, the Request for Tenders (RFT) seeking service providers to to carry out this major study was published on 8th July 2021. The closing date for receipt of submissions is 9th August 2021. The successful service provider will be contracted to carry out a feasibility study in accordance with the Terms of Reference detailed above and will be also required to examine and evaluate the proposals received during the public consultation and produce a report on their findings.
The time frame for the completion of the review including the tendering process, consultation with the stakeholder group which I am currently establishing and publication of the final report is end of November 2021.
The recommendations from this review will help focus the development of a robust policy roadmap for the Irish wool industry.
57. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the Irish or EU supports or grants that are available to Irish beekeepers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38166/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI fully acknowledge the important contribution bees make to agriculture and biodiversity as both pollinators and honey producers. In this regard, the Department provides a range of supports and initiatives to encourage and assist beekeepers and the national beekeeping associations. The Department is also a partner in the All Ireland Pollinator Plan 2021 – 2025 and is a member of the All-Ireland Honeybee Strategy Steering Group.
The main financial support available to beekeepers is through the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector, which includes support for beekeepers registered with the Department. It is a mechanism that can assist beekeepers invest in their apiaries and associated apiculture equipment for the future. The scheme is due to reopen for applications in October 2021. This Scheme is 100% funded by the Irish Government.
In addition, the Department also provides annual grants to Irish National Beekeepers associations to support members and branches to pursue the craft of beekeeping to the highest standards and to also inform the general public about the environmental role that bees play in maintaining Irish biodiversity and crop production.
Further support to the beekeeping sector in Ireland is provided through the National Apiculture Programme. This programme is co-funded by the Department and the EU and provides funding to carry out applied research for the Irish apiculture sector. The National Apiculture Programme was awarded to a suitable research institution to carry out research in the area. This research when concluded will be beneficial to many beekeepers in Ireland.
The Department has funded a number of studies under the Genetic Research Grant Aid Scheme looking at various aspects of honeybee species and specifically apis mellifera melliferra. In 2021, funding has been allocated for an innovative queen rearing project.
The Department also provides a bee health service, free of charge, facilitating the early detection of pests and pathogens which is key to maintaining healthy stock of bees in Ireland. This bee health service also operates the Sentinel Apiary Programme along with volunteer beekeepers throughout Ireland. The aim of the programme is to ensure the early detection of three exotic pests, Small Hive beetle (SHB), Tropilaelaps spp. and the Asian Hornet.
58. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions he is taking to prohibit unfair trading practices in order to strengthen the position of primary producers in the agri-food sector. [38525/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am fully committed to delivering much-needed transparency in the supply chain.
The Deputy will be aware also that one of the key principles of the Directive on Unfair Trading Practices in Business-to-Business Relationships in the Agricultural and Food Supply Chain is to protect farmers, farmers’ organisations and other weaker suppliers of agricultural and food products against stronger buyers, and to improve their position in the supply chain.
I signed Statutory Instrument No. 198 of 2021 transposing the UTP Directive into Irish law on 28th April 2021, Ireland being one of eight Member States to do so ahead of the EU deadline of 1st May 2021.
The new Regulations transpose the Directive directly and are a significant step in progressing towards a more even playing field for our agricultural producers. There are in total 16 Unfair Trading Practices included in the Regulations. The new legislation also provide for the establishment of an Enforcement Authority to deal with complaints against unfair trading practices. I have established the Enforcement Authority in my Department as an interim measure pending the finalisation of primary legislation to establish a new Office of National Food Ombudsman/ Regulator or equivalent Office. The Enforcement Authority has the power to investigate complaints from suppliers, including primary producers, carry out investigations on its own initiative and initiate legal proceedings for breaches of the UTPs.
Increasing transparency all along the food chain is something that I believe is very important to strengthen the position of primary producers. The Programme for Government commits that the new Office of the Food Ombudsman or equivalent will have a specific role in analysing and reporting on price and market data in Ireland, as well as enforcing the UTP Directive. I intend that the new Office will build on the work already done on market transparency, including the market transparency studies commissioned by my Department as part of the work of the Beef Taskforce, which have been completed and published on gov.ie.
I am currently ensuring that the primary legislation needed to establish the new Office of National Food Ombudsman or Regulator or equivalent is being prepared as a priority action. The public consultation for that legislation closed recently. The submissions received will assist in determining what additional functions or powers should be assigned to the new Office and if any further rules or UTPs should be introduced that would go beyond those already included in the current UTP Regulations. Once established, the new Office will, I believe, provide an important service to those in the agriculture and food supply chain.
59. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has conducted a study on the impact of fuel prices or taxes on the agricultural sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38167/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo specific study of fuel prices has been conducted by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. However, the Department does monitor costs relating to the agriculture sector on an ongoing basis. Each month the Central Statistics Office (CSO) release the Wholesale Price Index, the Consumer Price Index and Agricultural Price Indices, which track changes in input costs and output returns in agriculture, including fuel and energy costs. The CSO also issue annual data for the agriculture sector in their release "Output, Input and Income in Agriculture", which also includes data on energy and lubricants used in agriculture.
In relation to fuel tax, I am advised by my colleague the Minister for Finance that the main agriculture exposure to excise duty comes from the fuel inputs primarily through the use of Marked Gas Oil, which is currently subject to a rate of mineral oil tax (MOT) of 13.8 cent per litre and that this compares favourably to the current full rate of MOT for auto diesel used as a propellant of 51.5 cent per litre.
Farmers and agricultural contractors, who incur expenses in relation to farm diesel in the course of their trade of agricultural contracting, may claim an income tax or corporation tax deduction for those expenses, including any carbon tax charged in respect of the diesel. It is also important to note that when the carbon tax was increased in Budget 2012, provision was made for a double income tax relief for farmers to compensate for the increase. It is available to individuals and companies that carry on a trade of farming and are entitled to claim an income tax or corporation tax deduction in respect of farm diesel.
60. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the consideration he has given to current NHA areas to be included for basic payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38720/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraNHA or National Heritage Areas are areas of special interest containing important wildlife habitats. These areas were designated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
The Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and related area-based schemes such as the Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) and Greening are paid on eligible hectares in line with EU Regulations. An eligible hectare consists of an "agricultural area" upon which an "agricultural activity" is being carried out on that area.
In terms of "agricultural area" on parcels of permanent grassland, this means that the agricultural area must be capable of growing grass and capable of supporting an "agricultural activity" such as grazing livestock or mechanical activities such as topping.
Any BPS applicant with NHA land that meets the above definitions of the eligible hectare is free to declare these lands for payment purposes. However, where the NHA coincides with a non-agricultural area or an agricultural area that has no agricultural activity exercised on it, then it is not eligible for payment.
Where a farmer is in any doubt with regard to the eligibility of their lands, they should discuss this with an agricultural adviser. Officials from my Department, through the Farm Advisory Service (FAS), maintain a list of accredited advisers. This list is available on the Department website.
61. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the alternative products being considered for use in sowing maize following the implementation of the EU Directive 2019/904; when these alternatives will be made available; the estimated cost of these alternatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38311/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy may be aware that the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications recently signed into force, national regulations prohibiting the use of single use plastics as required under the provisions in EU Council Directive 2019/904.
I understand that the industry is developing alternative products for use in the sowing of maize that will comply with the new requirements set down by this EU Directive. As this is a commercial issue, I am not aware of the costs associated.
In terms of support for the sector, the Department re-commenced Value for Cultivation and Use (VCU) trials for uncovered maize, in 2020 as a means to identify varieties better suited to Irish growing conditions and which do not require plastic covering. This work will build on the 2015 'Uncovered Recommended List' in which a high performing variety was identified and which is currently available on the Irish market for growers.
62. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the terms of reference of the review of the potential demand in international markets for wool-based products have been finalised to-date; if so, if he will provide a copy of the finalised terms of reference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38147/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of the actions under the Programme for Government is to undertake a review of the potential demand in domestic and international markets for wool based products such as insulation and fertilisers. Following the allocation of €100,000 in Budget 2021 for this review, I initiated a public consultation process in early March 2021 to determine the terms of reference for such a review.
Interested parties were invited to submit comments on the proposed Terms of Reference and/or submissions on the potential market opportunities for wool products on the domestic and international markets.
The proposed terms of reference were as follows:
- the identification of market opportunities domestically and internationally for wool based products;
- carrying out economic feasibility and cost benefit analysis on proposed market opportunities;
- determining mechanisms that could be used to support industry initiatives; and
- identification of potential research projects applicable to supporting the identified market opportunities.
The closing date for submissions was 2nd April 2021 and over 40 submissions were received. A wide range of proposals on the potential market for wool products were received. As there were no material changes proposed in relation to the terms of reference for the review, they remain as detailed above.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the Request for Tenders (RFT) to carry out this major study was published on 8th July 2021. The closing date for receipt of submissions is 9th August 2021. The successful service provider will be contracted to carry out a feasibility study in accordance with the Terms of Reference detailed above and will be also required to examine and evaluate the proposals received under the public consultation process and produce a report on their findings.
The time frame for the completion of the review including the tendering process, consultation with the stakeholder group which I am currently establishing and publication of the final report is end of November 2021. The recommendations from this review will help focus the development of a robust policy roadmap for the Irish wool industry.
63. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider restarting the internal convergence mechanism during the transition period for 2022 given the CAP Budget and a minimum convergence of 85% has been agreed. [38457/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Regulation regarding the transition period enables EU Member States to continue convergence during the transition period, if they so wish. In order to provide for stability, some certainty for farmers and consultation on CAP measures, Ireland chose to rest convergence during the transitional period (2021-22).
This rest period provided some time for consultation with farmers and their representative bodies on this important issue, along with some much-needed stability in direct payments through the transitional period.
It is my intention to consult with farm organisations for the second transition year of 2022 as well as for the next CAP programme to further consider how to continue the convergence process. This engagement will take place over the coming months in order to make a timely decision for the 2022 period and beyond.
The CAP regulations commencing in 2023 will continue with the convergence process to far beyond the original proposal, and I am committed to obtaining the best outcome for all Irish farmers from the options available.
64. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will support efforts to restore in part the oak plantation at Cratloe Woods, County Clare. [38182/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraCratloe Woods in Co Clare is owned and managed by Coillte and as such is its day-to-day management is an operational matter for the company. In view of the question raised, I have however made enquiries with Coillte on the matter.
They advise that the wood in Cratloe is approximately 356 hectares in size and, although it may have had a history of being once a large and vibrant oak woodland, the canopy cover for oak today is around 5%. Coillte acknowledge the importance of the remaining stems of oak on the site and have put measures in place to retain and protect such veteran trees on their operational plans. They are also looking to enhance areas where strong indicators of oak woodland habitat are present and are currently reviewing same on their biodiversity plans for the area and area seeking public consultation for their five-year management plan.
An information note has been erected at Cratloe Forest which allows the public to engage with Coillte directly. I am advised that Coillte are open to discussing any aspect of their forest management at Cratloe Woods with the public or any other interested Community groups.
In accordance with the European Union Guidelines for State aid in the agricultural and forestry sectors and in rural areas 2014 to 2020, Coillte are eligible to receive grant aid from the Department for approved applications under forestry support schemes aiming at improving the resilience and environmental value of forest ecosystems, such as the Native Woodland Conservation Scheme and the NeighbourWood Scheme. If such an application is received and provided that it complies with our scheme conditions, the Department would provide funding in accordance with EU rules.
65. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he plans to introduce measures to develop and expand the hemp sector in Ireland. [38157/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government has committed to exploring the potential for the growing of fibre crops including hemp, to assess whether these crops have a viable market.
The Department has and continues to engage with stakeholders in the hemp sector on an ongoing basis. In the context, the Department is about to commence the consultative process by engaging with the relevant sectoral stakeholders including the representative bodies for the hemp sector.
As the Deputy may be aware, current legislation does not allow for the growing of hemp for fibre unless a specific licence has been granted by the Health Products Regulatory Authority. Following on from an earlier consultation carried out in 2018 with sectoral stakeholders, the consensus from those involved in regulation was that legislation governing the cultivation of hemp would remain under the auspices of the Department of Health.
This upcoming consultation process will concentrate on the potential for growing fibre crops and whether these crops such as Hemp have a viable market.
66. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider easing regulations around the granting of felling licenses in view of the shortage of supply and rising cost of timber; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38650/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe situation with forestry licensing is a key priority for the Department, for me and Minister of State Pippa Hackett who has responsibility for the sector. I fully understand the seriousness of the situation with many landowners in terms of the delays encountered and the various issues with the wider sector.
Implementation of Project Woodland remains a key priority. I have already committed to commencing an end to end review of our systems and processes to be carried out by an external systems analyst that has already started work on this review. In addition there will be a review of our legal and regulatory processes. This review, to be carried out by an independent expert, will include an examination of experiences in other Member States in licensing forestry activities and how they comply with EU legislation without experiencing the same issues that we have experienced in Ireland. And from this what lessons we can bring in to our licensing systems.
It is of course essential that any regulatory changes fully comply with EU law.
While these initiatives are being developed, the Department continues to pursue continual improvement. We have recently reviewed the systems for the preparation of Appropriate Assessment Screening Determinations, Appropriate Assessment Reports and Appropriate Assessment Determinations. Improvements have been made to the system to optimise the time of the ecologists to concentrate on the ecology aspects of each application.
Currently, these improvements are only applied to private tree felling licence (TFL) applications, which has already yielded results with increased licences issued. The ecologists have been working mostly on these felling applications in advance of the system being developed further for other licensed activities. In the coming days the system will be rolled out for processing road files and the development of the system improvement to assist with processing afforestation files will commence over the next few weeks.
To date this year (9th July), 1,836 forestry licences have issued – 1,164 tree felling; 308 afforestation and 364 forest road works licences. This represents 40% of the target of 4,500 licences to issue in 2021. The afforestation licences cover 2,695ha of potential new forestry. This is an increase of 21% on the area licensed to the same date in 2020 and a 5% increase in the number of afforestation licences issued.
Forest road works licence covering 151km of forest roads have issued to date. This far exceeds the Climate Action Plan target for 2021 of 125km of forest roads licensed.
A total volume of 3.594 million cubic metres has been licenced, which is 71% of the total volume licensed in 2020.
In relation to the private sector supply, we have increased substantially the number of felling licences in recent months due to several system improvements and continued investment in ecology resources. This has already resulted in June being the highest month for private felling licences in over five years.
I also remind the Deputy that I and previous Ministers have brought in significant legislation in order to assist with the ongoing situation in the forestry sector. This includes SI 31 of 2020 that amongst other things allowed the Department to carry out Appropriate Assessments without the requirement of a Natura Impact Statement from the applicant. Also as you are aware, I signed SI 417 of 2020 and SI 418 of 2020 and commenced the Forestry (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2020 to bring in a range of measures largely to allow for a more efficient running of the Forestry Appeals Committee and to bring our systems in line with the planning process.
